Partial Harness for Pelvic Pivot Exercises

ABSTRACT

A physical exercise device comprising a lower back support pad and a thigh support pad or a single support pad. These support pads are coupled to a buckle. The buckle may in turn be coupled to a suspension system anchored to a surface positioned at least substantially above the buckle. The buckle may provide a taut connection to the suspension system, so that the user may relax into the pads, which would then support the user&#39;s weight, permitting the user to concentrate on rotating or otherwise controlling the muscles adjacent to the pelvis, particularly the inner abdomen.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/395,167, filed Sep. 15, 2016. The above referenced application is incorporated herein by reference as if restated in full.

BACKGROUND

It is very difficult for individuals to exercise their inner abdomen. In part, this is because there are many abdominal exercises that do not otherwise limit the portion of the abdomen that is used to execute them, thereby permitting the individuals to rely on their outer abdominal muscles instead. Since individuals naturally tend to have greater control and participation in the outer abdominal muscles, those are the muscles that they will use at the expense of the inner abdominal muscles. This commonly leads to an unbalanced or disproportionate muscular development. Once a disproportionate musculature is achieved, it may be even more difficult to develop the weaker muscles because the body is designed to achieve a localized goal, such as a movement or lift, using as few resources as possible. The inner abdominal muscles, being weaker, are therefore less effective, and the body will rely on the already developed outer abdominal muscles instead of developing them.

In this particular context, the result of such a phenomenon is a bloated abdomen, which is the opposite effect that most exercising individuals seek. It is the inner abdominal muscles that help maintain the flatness and structure of the abdomen, and by managing to develop them, the individual is able to increase the tension and prevent such bloating. The bloating has not only cosmetic disadvantages, in that a bloated belly suggests fat deposits even in an otherwise fit individual, but it also causes strain on other parts of the body, in particular the heart.

There are currently no instruments or articles of exercise equipment specifically designed to enable the user to focus on the inner abdomen without the exercise being dominated by the outer abdomen. This invention is intended to solve this very problem.

SUMMARY

The presently described device comprises a partial harness anchored to a position above a user's pelvis, thereby supporting a user while the user performs muscular abdominal exercises.

In one general embodiment, the device comprises a lower back support pad and a thigh support pad. These support pads are coupled to a buckle. The buckle may in turn be coupled to a suspension system anchored to a surface positioned at least substantially above the buckle. In this general embodiment, a user may lean against the lower back support pad and sit on or lean against the thigh support pad. The user may wrap extension portions extending from the pads around and toward a position between the pads and yet in front of the user's pelvis, where they may engage with the buckle. The buckle may provide a taut connection to the suspension system, so that the user may relax into the pads, which would then support the user's weight, permitting the user to concentrate on rotating or otherwise controlling the muscles adjacent to the pelvis, particularly the inner abdomen.

In one embodiment, the device comprises a partial harness. The partial harness may include one or more, preferably two support pads. These support pads may be continuous or, preferably, separate articles of cushioning material. Ideally, one support pad is designed to support the user's lower back and a second support pad is designed to support the user's thighs, preferably the upper thighs. In one variation, the thigh support pad consists of two separate support pads, one for each thigh. In another version of this variation, the two separate support pads are connected to each other by means of staps, cords, or similar attachment means. In some variants of the device, the partial harness comprises solely of the thigh support(s) and lacks the lower back support.

The support pads may be stuffed and sewn, or made of substantially spongiform or foam-like material. The support pads may feature one or more external layers and one or more internal layers. Layers may be made of the same or different materials in order to exploit for different characteristics. The support pads may be made at least in part of canvas fabric. There may be openings between layers permitting one or more straps, cords, or other connectivity devices to pass through. As such, the layers and the support pads thereby comprise a sleeve. This sleeve may be sewn, adhered to, or otherwise attached to the main body of a support pad.

The support pads may be embedded with hooks, tracks, or velcro portions for increased connectivity and attachment. Hooks may be removable or fixed. Tracks may be broken or continuous, and may operate through interlocking or magnetically.

If the support pads are continuous, they may feature gaps or elastic regions to contour the angular or curved portions of a user's body, such as the hemispheres of the buttocks or the hips. The support pads may feature a flexible but firm wire structure for additional support.

In one embodiment, the device comprises a buckle. The buckle may feature attachment ends to one or more straps, cords, or other attachment means, extending from and fixed, attachable, or looped into the partial harness. The set of attachment means may include hooks, magnetic tracks, carabiners, or similarly functioning mechanisms. The buckle may also be permanently fixed to the one or more straps, cords, or other attachment means. In one variation, the buckle features pass-through channels permitting the passage of attachment materials. The pass-through channels may feature a locking mechanism such as a press, screw-vise, or spring-vice to prevent or impede the passage of attachment materials. In one variation, the buckle comprises or features a combination of these elements.

In one embodiment, attachment means may feature tightening or loosening mechanisms such to provide for the adjustment of attachment length. These adjustment mechanisms may be fixed to the partial harness, one or more of its components, the attachment means (cords, et. al.), or the buckle, or it may be removably and attachably connected.

In one embodiment, the device may feature a release buckle. The release buckle may removably attach two portions of the attachment means permitting a user to easily attach and separate the two portions, thereby providing an easy adornment or release thereof from the device. Preferably, the release buckle, which is distinguished from the main buckle, is connected to straps looped into the separate pads of the partial harness.

In one embodiment, the device may feature a suspension anchor. The suspension anchor is generally configured to fix the device to a stationary object. This stationary object may be a tree, the top side of a door, or a bar. The suspension anchor may be made of any material that may be molded or manufactured easily, such as a metal, metal composite, or woven material. The suspension anchor may feature a loop or hook for easy attachment or removal to the stationary object. Alternatively, if the suspension anchor is fixed to a bar or similar stationary object, the suspension anchor may be made of a mere strap or cord that is integrally looped and tightened into a taut loop. The suspension anchor may be singular or composite.

The suspension anchor attaches to the device either directly to the main buckle or through intermediaries. These intermediaries may comprise one or more hooks, carabiners, straps, additional buckles, or loops. The intermediaries may connect to the main buckle via engaging a strap or cord with a loop-gap in the main buckle, or via a first hook or clip coupling with a second hook or clip. In one version, an intermediary may comprise a tension-buckle that releases when tension is applied to the buckle. This tension-buckle would preferably be located close to the main buckle so that the user may easily disengage the partial harness from the suspension anchor and its intermediaries. In this version, a strap, cord, or extension of the tension buckle may be permanently but flexibly fixed, molded, or pivoted to the main buckle.

In one variation, an intermediary comprises a multiplicity connector. This multiplicity connector may engage with one or more straps or cords, each of which attach to separate partial harnesses, thereby permitting the simultaneous use of the device by multiple users. The connector may be a loop, carabiner, or cord-structure.

In another variation, multiple suspension anchors may engage with the multiplicity connector in order to increase the fixity of the device to the one or more stationary objects. In one version of this variation, the suspension anchors pass through the multiplicity connector, permitting ease of passage for the suspension anchor through the multiplicity anchor, thereby permitting the user to move translaterally or otherwise in order to accentuate or emphasize different aspects of the pivot exercise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 features an exemplary embodiment of the device.

FIG. 2 features an exemplary embodiment of the anchor.

FIG. 3 features an exemplary embodiment of the buckle.

FIGS. 4 & 5 feature an application of an exemplary embodiment of the anchor.

FIG. 6 features a first use of the device.

FIG. 7 features a second use of the device.

FIG. 8 features a third use of the device.

FIG. 9 features a fourth use of the device.

FIG. 10 features a fifth use of the device.

FIG. 11 features another embodiment of the device.

FIG. 12 features a selection of support pads of the device.

FIG. 13 features a selection of suspension anchors of the device.

FIG. 14 features a multiplicity connector.

FIG. 15 shows the main strap passing through the carabiner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As seen in FIG. 1, the device 100 may comprise a support pad 102, a strap 104, an anchor 106, and a pouch 108. The support pad is configured to support a portion of a user's body, principally at a cushioned central portion 128. This cushioned central portion may comprise one or more layers of cushioning or material, with at least some of the material designed to be breathable or water-proof. The support pad may be attached to the strap by an adjustable buckle 110, the buckle providing for increasing or decreasing the length of the strap. The buckle may be attached to a first portion of strap 116 on one end and a second portion of strap 118, one of which may be fixed in length while the other may be adjusted by the buckle, which incorporates a portion thereof. One of these portions may be sewn to or otherwise attached to a support pad strap 120, which may attach to a first end of the support pad 122 by a first support pad strap portion 114 and a second end of the support pad 126 by a second support pad strap portion 112. The support pad strap portions may be fixed or attachable to the support pad ends.

The pouch may be attached or unattached to the device. The pouch may be embedded in the cushion so that the cushion can be turned inside out with the straps and anchor to be pressed into the pouch. The pouch may include a snap-fit button or drawstring 130 to close.

As seen in FIG. 2, the anchor may feature a carabiner 200 and a pad 202, also known as a block pad. The carabiner and pad are separately attached to the strap by means of a carabiner portion of strap 204 and a pad portion of strap 206. The pad portion the strap is thinner than the pad, thus enabling the strap to fit through the space between a door and a door frame but preventing the pad from passing through as well. The pad portion of the strap may attach to the pad at a central portion 208 so that when force is applied to the pad portion of the strap in the direction opposite the anchor pad, the anchor pad will press against the door and the door frame equally via an upper portion 210 and a lower portion 212. The upper portion, lower portion, and central portion may be disposed on a first surface 214 of the pad, which is made of material that will not damage the door or door frame if chafed against it. This first surface may be soft or cushioned to prevent such an occurrence. At least one layer of the pad must be substantially rigid to prevent the pad from being bent upon force being applied to the anchor portion of the strap.

The carabiner may be a hook or other attachment means. It features a preferably spring-loaded catch to facilitate attachment and removal.

As seen in FIG. 3, the buckle may feature a set of teeth 300 to clamp down on the strap.

As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pad may be placed behind a door, with the strap passing over the door. When the door is closed, the pad will prevent the strap from entirely slipping through the space between the door and door frame.

As seen in FIGS. 6-10, the carabiner may be coupled to a hook or ring, thus anchoring the strap and allowing use of the device. In FIG. 6, the support pad is configured to support the buttox of the user, with the user then being able to lean back into the device and exercise the abdominals. In particular, the user can bring the upper torso toward the anchor, thus achieving a kind of crunch exercise. In FIG. 7, the support pad is configured to support the upper back of the user, thus enabling the user to move the upper torso laterally with respect to the lower torso, which will be stabilized by the feet positioned on the ground. In FIG. 8, the support pad is configured to hold up a person's ankles or calves such that the user can lie with the back on or facing the floor. In a variation, the user can place the ankles or calves on the support pad so as to be facing the floor. This allows various calf, thigh, lower back, and abdominal exercises. In FIG. 9, the user can place one calf or ankle on the support pad and perform cross squats or similar exercises with the leg's separate. In FIG. 10, the support pad is configured to support the bottom torso or waist. The user can perform reverse crunches in this position.

FIG. 11 shows a variation of the support pads with under-thigh and lower back portions.

FIG. 12 shows four different support pad groups. In one embodiment, the support pad comprises an upper pad 1200 and a lower pad 1202. In this version, the upper pad is separate from the lower pad allowing users to customize the placement of each according to preference. In another embodiment, the support pad comprises an upper pad 1204 and and a lower pad 1206, with the lower pad comprising a left pad 1212 and right pad 1216 connected by strap 1214, thus allowing for separation of the upper portion for the lower back and the lower portions for the thighs, however the thick pads are kept from fully separating. In one version, the thigh pads are not attached except via the buckle, thus allowing for alternative movements. In yet another embodiment, the support pad 1208 comprises an upper pad and a lower pad connected via straps 1218. This keeps the lower portion, configured to support the thicks, from separating too much from the upper portion, configured to support the lower back. In yet another embodiment, the support pad 1210 comprises an upper portion and a lower portion connected by a cushioned portion 1220. This provides additional support and prevents the pads from separating too much.

The support pad may feature one or more layers, including a first exterior layer 1224, and second exterior layer 1228, and an interior layer 1226. The exterior layers may be made of water proof material or easy-to-clean material. The interior layer may be made of soft cushioned material. The soft cushioned material may feature compressible material such as a gel or liquid.

FIG. 13 shows two different anchors. One anchor comprises a hook 1300 that enables a very quick and easy attachment to a pull up bar. Bar Anchor 1302 features an anchor rotatably but fixedly attached to a pull up bar, preventing accidental uncoupling. FIG. 14 shows a multiplicity connector 1400. This component, allows straps 1402 and 1404 from multiple devices to engage and couple, thus allowing multiple users to mutually participate in exercises, possibly using each other's weight as an anchoring force.

FIG. 15 shows the device coupled to a pull-up bar. The main strap passes through the carabiner, thereby locking the device to the pull-up bar. 

1. An exercise device comprising a support pad, a main strap, and an anchor, the support pad configured to support a portion of a user's body and attached to the main strap by a buckle, the buckle configured to adjust a length of the main strap, the main strap attached to the anchor, the anchor configured to attach to a stable surface; the support pad comprising a cushioned central portion, a first end, a second end and at least three layers including a first exterior layer, a second exterior layer, and a soft interior layer, the soft interior layer disposed between the first and second exterior layers, the cushioned central portion disposed between the first end and the second end, the first end attached to a first support strap, the second end attached to a second support strap, the first and second support straps fixedly attached to each other at a fixed end, the fixed end removably coupled to the buckle.
 2. The exercise device in claim 1, the support pad configured to be turned inside out and receive and enclose the main strap.
 3. The exercise device in claim 1, the support pad comprising an upper pad and a lower pad, the upper pad and lower pad attached by pad straps.
 4. The exercise device in claim 1, the lower pad comprising a left pad and a right pad, the left pad and the right pad being connected by an inter-pad strap.
 5. An exercise device comprising a support pad, a main strap, and an anchor, the support pad configured to support a portion of a user's body, attached to the main strap by a buckle, and comprising at least three layers including a first exterior layer, a second exterior layer, and a soft interior layer, the soft interior layer disposed between the first and second exterior layers, the buckle configured to adjust a length of the main strap, the main strap attached to the anchor, the anchor configured to attach to a stable surface and comprising a carabiner strap attached to a carabiner and a block pad strap attached to a block pad, the block pad being thicker than the block pad strap, the block pad strap having a thickness configured to enable the block pad strap to pass through a space between a door and a door frame, the block pad having a thickness configured to prevent the block pad from passing through the space between the door and the door frame, the carabiner configured to attach to a ring, hook, or pole.
 6. An exercise device comprising a support pad, a main strap, and an anchor, the support pad configured to support a portion of a user's body and attached to the main strap by a buckle, the buckle configured to adjust a length of the main strap, the main strap attached to the anchor, the anchor configured to attach to a stable surface.
 7. The exercise device in claim 6, the support pad having a cushioned central portion, the cushioned central portion comprising three or more layers.
 8. The exercise device in claim 6, the support pad configured to be turned inside out and receive and enclose the main strap.
 9. The exercise device in claim 5, the support pad being removably attachable to the main strap.
 10. The exercise device in claim 5, the anchor comprising a carabiner, the carabiner configured to attach to a ring, hook, or pole.
 11. The exercise device in claim 5, the anchor comprising a block pad, the block pad being thicker than the strap.
 12. The exercise device in claim 5, the anchor comprising a carabiner strap attached to a carabiner and a block pad strap attached to a block pad, the block pad being thicker than the block pad strap, the block pad strap having a thickness configured to enable the block pad strap to pass through a space between a door and a door frame, the block pad having a thickness configured to prevent the block pad from passing through the space between the door and the door frame, the carabiner configured to attach to a ring, hook, or pole.
 13. The exercise device in claim 5, the support pad comprising an upper pad and a lower pad.
 14. The exercise device in claim 13, the upper pad and lower pad attached by pad straps.
 15. The exercise device in claim 13, the lower pad comprising a left pad and a right pad, the left pad and the right pad being connected by an inter-pad strap.
 16. The exercise device in claim 1, additionally comprising a multiplicity connector configured to engage the main strap to an additional main strap from an additional exercise device.
 17. The exercise device in claim 5, the support pad having a first end and a second end, the first end attached to a first support strap, the second end attached to a second support strap, the first and second support straps fixedly attached to each other at a fixed end, the fixed end coupled to the buckle.
 18. The exercise device in claim 5, the support pad made of at least three layers including a first exterior layer, a second exterior layer, and a soft interior layer, the soft interior layer disposed between the first and second exterior layers.
 19. The exercise device in claim 5, also comprising a pull-up bar, with the anchor fixedly attached to the pull-up bar.
 20. The exercise device in claim 5, the anchor fixedly attached to a wall mount. 